Mesa Boogie Mark V questions

[the rossness]

I'm thinking of picking up a Mesa Mark V. I think its the tone I've been missing. I had never fooled around with one, but when I did, it sounded big and sweet, with a nice clean chime. I've got a few questions for those who have one or have played one extensively.

1) If I'm going for more of a classic hard rock and jazz tone, will the MKV suit my needs? My Ideal tone can be described as: open like early Rush songs, sweet like Thin lizzy's Jailbreak album, ferocious and compressed enough for Ratt tones and a sweet open lead tone that would be similar to Santana. As far as cleans, I'm into a vox chime and an overdriven, bluesy fender tone that doesn't really break up.

2) I find that I like somewhat of a darker tone on most amps. Can I dial a little darkness (not the band) into the amp? Can I get channel 2 voiced in a way to sound a little darker than normal? I've never been into too much crunch, as then it just sounds like a bad dirt pedal. How do you like channel 2 on the amp? What do you use it for?

3) Combo or head? I love the fact that the combo looks so small. I had an Electra Dyne for a few weeks and remember it being quite heavy to lug around. Is the Mark V a heavy amp? If I get just the head, will it sound good through EVH Celestions (that's my cab). How would it sound through a Mesa 2x12 cab? I should mention, I'm leaning towards the combo.

4) Does anyone find the amp muddy?

5) I play a lot around the house. I'm a tone snob and I want awesome tone even while practicing. If I play the amp at "let's not kill the neighbors" volume", will the amp still sound good?

6) I saw Dream theater a few years ago, and while I was pretty wasted during their set, I remember JP's tone sounded massive! Does anyone find that the Mark V sounds "big"?

7) Final question. New vs. Used.Has anyone ever used a mark v through the custom shop? Do the exotic wood cabinets make a difference? What is the going price for a Mark V on the used market?

Thanks for the help. Its much appreciated

 

[fishyfishfish]

try posting on "The Boogie Board" for a more detailed answer to your questions, but the short answer is yes it can do what you asked, but you will find your self living on channels one and two for the music you described, tone shaping is pretty good but don't expect "Marshall" mids,
Combos are cool but kinda heavy for grabbing and go, I liked the head best with a 2x12 cab for club sized gigs, find a cool shop that will let you rail one at a decent volume for a bit to check it out.

 

[Mauler]

You could get close to the tones you are after on Ch 3 if you keep the gain around 11 o'clock and the presence around the same. Also use the treble to adjust the gain on Ch 3 as well. There is way too many tones you can get from this beast, and after 2 years or so I keep finding new ones all the time. You will also find that different guitars can sound vastly different through this amp as well, and you might need to make little adjustments depending on what you are using.
I just say get one used and see if you like it, and if the scenario happens where you don't, you shouldn't have too many issues getting rid of it for what you paid for it.

 

[thiswaythatway]

I'm a bit exhausted on the subject but I'll tell you don't get the Mark V combo. It's a 1x12 and it's a narrow box. IMHO it sounds like shit. If it was in a bigger combo chassis like the Electra Dyne it would sound better.

Also, from what you're describing I think you would be better off with the Royal Atlantic.

 

[polaris20]

I love my DC-5, but I'll never buy another Mesa combo. I had the Stiletto Ace 1x12 as well, and they're both just heavy as hell. Get a head and a 2x12. That being said, I agree with danyeo; the RA100 sounds more up your alley. I nearly sold the DC-5 to get the MkV, but after comparing my amp side by side, it just wasn't enough of an improvement (despite the obvious additional versatility) over my DC to warrant the trouble of selling, buying, etc.

 

[blackba]

I love my DC-5, but I'll never buy another Mesa combo. I had the Stiletto Ace 1x12 as well, and they're both just heavy as hell. Get a head and a 2x12. That being said, I agree with danyeo; the RA100 sounds more up your alley. I nearly sold the DC-5 to get the MkV, but after comparing my amp side by side, it just wasn't enough of an improvement (despite the obvious additional versatility) over my DC to warrant the trouble of selling, buying, etc.

+2 on both going with a mesa head and on the Royal Atlantic 100.

 

[mrkmas]

I personally am not a fan of the MKV. Sounds like the RA100 might be something you should try out as others have mentioned.

 

[midnightlaundry]

The MV is a great amp. The Crunch mode IS classic rock. Plus you get big Fender tones with Clean and Tweed. Channel 3 rips the Mark IV for sharp and articulate tones.

It's a lot of amp. Maybe to much for most to understand.

 

[the rossness]

I love my DC-5, but I'll never buy another Mesa combo. I had the Stiletto Ace 1x12 as well, and they're both just heavy as hell. Get a head and a 2x12. That being said, I agree with danyeo; the RA100 sounds more up your alley. I nearly sold the DC-5 to get the MkV, but after comparing my amp side by side, it just wasn't enough of an improvement (despite the obvious additional versatility) over my DC to warrant the trouble of selling, buying, etc.

+2 on both going with a mesa head and on the Royal Atlantic 100.

I've heard the RA100 and what I'm not looking for, is more marshall-esque tones. The only marshall tone I don't have is a VH4 and that's too expensive for me. I'm also an avid Randall/ Egnater MTS guy and have clones of the CAE OD100, Cameron CCV, VHT Pitbull, Marshall RR SuperLead, SLO, Shiva and Orange preamps. I really don't need any more marshall sounds. That's why I was looking at the MKV as it has something my MTS modules don't exactly do.

I hear the MKV and it sounds big and fat, which I don't get with my MTS preamps. It has more of a non-marshal thing, which I want to explore. I think the MKV is more up my alley, but I'll keep the RA100 in mind. Does it have seperate EQ's for all 3 channels?

 

[Heritage Softail]

I had one for a year then long term loaned to a friend who eventually bought it.

It does quite a few things well, but nothing excellent. The Brit tones were not what I was expecting. I tried it with EL34 and it made it different, some better some worse.

Some use it and are very happy with it. Just not my preference. The RA was more to my liking.

Not a bad amp, but it was not inspiring to play. I know that is very subjective. Maybe it requires a better player than I am

I would keep looking. YMMV

Good luck on the Tone Quest.

 

[steve_k]

I am a fan of the Mark V. Not like those here that want to compare to the originals, but, given a little time, it will come through for you. Two things though, I slave mine to a Marshall power section and another cab. It just sounds better.

But, it doesn't sound like the Mark V is for the OP, from what is described the post. As others said, if you want to stick with Mesa, probably the RA is the way to go.

 

[blackba]

I love my DC-5, but I'll never buy another Mesa combo. I had the Stiletto Ace 1x12 as well, and they're both just heavy as hell. Get a head and a 2x12. That being said, I agree with danyeo; the RA100 sounds more up your alley. I nearly sold the DC-5 to get the MkV, but after comparing my amp side by side, it just wasn't enough of an improvement (despite the obvious additional versatility) over my DC to warrant the trouble of selling, buying, etc.

+2 on both going with a mesa head and on the Royal Atlantic 100.

I've heard the RA100 and what I'm not looking for, is more marshall-esque tones. The only marshall tone I don't have is a VH4 and that's too expensive for me. I'm also an avid Randall/ Egnater MTS guy and have clones of the CAE OD100, Cameron CCV, VHT Pitbull, Marshall RR SuperLead, SLO, Shiva and Orange preamps. I really don't need any more marshall sounds. That's why I was looking at the MKV as it has something my MTS modules don't exactly do.

I hear the MKV and it sounds big and fat, which I don't get with my MTS preamps. It has more of a non-marshal thing, which I want to explore. I think the MKV is more up my alley, but I'll keep the RA100 in mind. Does it have seperate EQ's for all 3 channels?

Its just that the list of tones you are looking for, sounds more like you are looking for a Brit flavor. I mean when I think Thin Lizzy or Ratt, I don't think of a mark V, I think of a Marshall. Anyway the RA100 has shared controls on channels 2 and 3. http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/ ... RA100.html

Have you considered a Freyette Sig X as well, again not really the tones you listed, but it has tones of features and options.

 

[thiswaythatway]

I love my DC-5, but I'll never buy another Mesa combo. I had the Stiletto Ace 1x12 as well, and they're both just heavy as hell. Get a head and a 2x12. That being said, I agree with danyeo; the RA100 sounds more up your alley. I nearly sold the DC-5 to get the MkV, but after comparing my amp side by side, it just wasn't enough of an improvement (despite the obvious additional versatility) over my DC to warrant the trouble of selling, buying, etc.

+2 on both going with a mesa head and on the Royal Atlantic 100.

I've heard the RA100 and what I'm not looking for, is more marshall-esque tones. The only marshall tone I don't have is a VH4 and that's too expensive for me. I'm also an avid Randall/ Egnater MTS guy and have clones of the CAE OD100, Cameron CCV, VHT Pitbull, Marshall RR SuperLead, SLO, Shiva and Orange preamps. I really don't need any more marshall sounds. That's why I was looking at the MKV as it has something my MTS modules don't exactly do.

I hear the MKV and it sounds big and fat, which I don't get with my MTS preamps. It has more of a non-marshal thing, which I want to explore. I think the MKV is more up my alley, but I'll keep the RA100 in mind. Does it have seperate EQ's for all 3 channels?

Its just that the list of tones you are looking for, sounds more like you are looking for a Brit flavor. I mean when I think Thin Lizzy or Ratt, I don't think of a mark V, I think of a Marshall. Anyway the RA100 has shared controls on channels 2 and 3. http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/ ... RA100.html

Have you considered a Freyette Sig X as well, again not really the tones you listed, but it has tones of features and options.

Yeah, if you want classic rock tones the Mark V is not the amp. If it's your only amp then the crunch mode on channel 2 is your only choice. But the Electra Dyne and RA smoke the Mark V for hard rock crunch, especially if you use a good boost pedal. I think I'd even take a Stiletto over the Mark V for crunch tones.

 

[the rossness]

I love my DC-5, but I'll never buy another Mesa combo. I had the Stiletto Ace 1x12 as well, and they're both just heavy as hell. Get a head and a 2x12. That being said, I agree with danyeo; the RA100 sounds more up your alley. I nearly sold the DC-5 to get the MkV, but after comparing my amp side by side, it just wasn't enough of an improvement (despite the obvious additional versatility) over my DC to warrant the trouble of selling, buying, etc.

+2 on both going with a mesa head and on the Royal Atlantic 100.

I've heard the RA100 and what I'm not looking for, is more marshall-esque tones. The only marshall tone I don't have is a VH4 and that's too expensive for me. I'm also an avid Randall/ Egnater MTS guy and have clones of the CAE OD100, Cameron CCV, VHT Pitbull, Marshall RR SuperLead, SLO, Shiva and Orange preamps. I really don't need any more marshall sounds. That's why I was looking at the MKV as it has something my MTS modules don't exactly do.

I hear the MKV and it sounds big and fat, which I don't get with my MTS preamps. It has more of a non-marshal thing, which I want to explore. I think the MKV is more up my alley, but I'll keep the RA100 in mind. Does it have seperate EQ's for all 3 channels?

Its just that the list of tones you are looking for, sounds more like you are looking for a Brit flavor. I mean when I think Thin Lizzy or Ratt, I don't think of a mark V, I think of a Marshall. Anyway the RA100 has shared controls on channels 2 and 3. http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/ ... RA100.html

Have you considered a Freyette Sig X as well, again not really the tones you listed, but it has tones of features and options.

2 things with Fryette/ VHT amps. 1) I don't like them. 2) KT88 tubes give me a headache! I have no clue why, but their frequency messes with my head.

 

[thiswaythatway]

I love my DC-5, but I'll never buy another Mesa combo. I had the Stiletto Ace 1x12 as well, and they're both just heavy as hell. Get a head and a 2x12. That being said, I agree with danyeo; the RA100 sounds more up your alley. I nearly sold the DC-5 to get the MkV, but after comparing my amp side by side, it just wasn't enough of an improvement (despite the obvious additional versatility) over my DC to warrant the trouble of selling, buying, etc.

+2 on both going with a mesa head and on the Royal Atlantic 100.

I've heard the RA100 and what I'm not looking for, is more marshall-esque tones. The only marshall tone I don't have is a VH4 and that's too expensive for me. I'm also an avid Randall/ Egnater MTS guy and have clones of the CAE OD100, Cameron CCV, VHT Pitbull, Marshall RR SuperLead, SLO, Shiva and Orange preamps. I really don't need any more marshall sounds. That's why I was looking at the MKV as it has something my MTS modules don't exactly do.

I hear the MKV and it sounds big and fat, which I don't get with my MTS preamps. It has more of a non-marshal thing, which I want to explore. I think the MKV is more up my alley, but I'll keep the RA100 in mind. Does it have seperate EQ's for all 3 channels?

Its just that the list of tones you are looking for, sounds more like you are looking for a Brit flavor. I mean when I think Thin Lizzy or Ratt, I don't think of a mark V, I think of a Marshall. Anyway the RA100 has shared controls on channels 2 and 3. http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/ ... RA100.html

Have you considered a Freyette Sig X as well, again not really the tones you listed, but it has tones of features and options.

2 things with Fryette/ VHT amps. 1) I don't like them. 2) KT88 tubes give me a headache! I have no clue why, but their frequency messes with my head.

I had an UL years ago. I only liked it when it was boosted with a Tube Screamer to give it some juice and when it was loud. And on certain cabs it sounded like shit. At home at what I'd consider regular volumes it was inspiring for me. When played with a band and with a Greenback cab it killed.

 

[the rossness]

I keep listening to Mesa RA clips and kind of liking them. Does it do the same tones as the other Atlantic amps as well?

 

[philb]

I tried one yesterday and to me the RA is too dark. The tone is very similarto the Electradyne which I owned for 6 months. Cool amp but I prefer the Mark V by far.

 

[dazzl1113]

1) If I'm going for more of a classic hard rock and jazz tone, will the MKV suit my needs? My Ideal tone can be described as: open like early Rush songs, sweet like Thin lizzy's Jailbreak album, ferocious and compressed enough for Ratt tones and a sweet open lead tone that would be similar to Santana. As far as cleans, I'm into a vox chime and an overdriven, bluesy fender tone that doesn't really break up.
ANSWER: I am in a Classic Rock cover band and these tones are all possible with this amp...regardless of what anyone else is saying. Yes, some of the artists you mentioned are "Marshall" but channel 2 Crunch will get that done. I have a Marshall DSL which I love and my MarkV easily does it in a way that is more pleasing to my ears. Santana is an original Mark artist, you can get his tone on Mark I, for any "close but not quite" settings you can add the requisite pedals...etc...remember the Cab choice will have a significant impact. Keep a Marshall Cab and Boogie cab on hand you'll be set.

2) I find that I like somewhat of a darker tone on most amps. Can I dial a little darkness (not the band) into the amp? Can I get channel 2 voiced in a way to sound a little darker than normal? I've never been into too much crunch, as then it just sounds like a bad dirt pedal. How do you like channel 2 on the amp? What do you use it for?
ANSWER - Yes, the Mark I voicing and even the Crunch setting can be darker...Mesa's with 6L6 tubes tend to be darker by nature anyway.

3) Combo or head? I love the fact that the combo looks so small. I had an Electra Dyne for a few weeks and remember it being quite heavy to lug around. Is the Mark V a heavy amp? If I get just the head, will it sound good through EVH Celestions (that's my cab). How would it sound through a Mesa 2x12 cab? I should mention, I'm leaning towards the combo.
ANSWER: Head - no question, better flexibility. I have a vertical 2x12 mesa cab with v30's sounds awesome, I also have a Marshall 412A which I actually prefer.

4) Does anyone find the amp muddy?
ANSWER: I don't find it muddy, but the tone stack as well as the EQ provide tremendous range in tone shaping. Too much base it can get flubby...nut muddy, again you can EQ it to avoid.

5) I play a lot around the house. I'm a tone snob and I want awesome tone even while practicing. If I play the amp at "let's not kill the neighbors" volume", will the amp still sound good?
ANSWER: I play in my home all the time via the 212 cab and get great "bedroom" tones..remember it has a variac power mode reducing the voltage through the amp as well as the various channel watt ratings...so again, you can customize for excellent low volume tone. Probably more so than any other tube amp out there.

6) I saw Dream theater a few years ago, and while I was pretty wasted during their set, I remember JP's tone sounded massive! Does anyone find that the Mark V sounds "big"?
ANSWER: Here again, I think this depends on your cab and eq settings to get the notes to "bloom" on the top end and proper cab/speaker to give the bottom end fullness for that "big tone" but yes you can get big/full tone from this amp.

7) Final question. New vs. Used.Has anyone ever used a mark v through the custom shop? Do the exotic wood cabinets make a difference? What is the going price for a Mark V on the used market?
ANSWER: I'm a big proponent of used gear, that said in SoCal the heads go from $1800-$2000 in awesome condition. For $500 more you can have brand new....judgement call..as I believe the warranty follows the amp regardless.

 

[4406cuda]

Yes, the warranty does follow the amp.

I recommend getting a head for flexibility and it is much easier to carry and change tubes in.

I play in a cover band and we play everything from funk to Judas Priest. Using the clean channel and a Fulltone OCD, I am able to get a pseudo 4th channel out of the amp.

 

[dazzl1113]

Actually, thats a great point I forgot to mention about Channel 1. Originally I fell in love with the FAT mode, but after a few gigs and song additions I am loving TWEED, a pedal and using my axe's volume knob for a huge pallet of tones.